Restaurants in Florence
Eating out in Florence means sampling regional dishes from Tuscany. Look out for bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), or tasty bean soup. Dining options range from restored palace Alle Murate to traditional Trattoria ZàZà near the Central Market or simple self-service Il Vegetariano. Some restaurants are set on the romantic banks of the Arno. Last orders are around 10.30pm and many places close in August. A cover charge, but not service, is usually included.
Borgo San Jacopo
Seasonal Italian
Situated in the Oltrarno district, south of the River Arno, Borgo San Jacopo
is worth visiting just for its sublime views of the Ponte Vecchio bridge.
But this restaurant, part of the boutique Hotel Lungarno, also boasts an
elegant, contemporary decor and delicious seasonal food. The homemade pasta
is delicious, as are the fish dishes.
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Opening Hours
Wed-Mon 7.30pm-10.30pm
Address
62r, Borgo San Jacopo, Florence, 50125
Telephone
+39 055 281 661
Cibrèo
Tuscan specialities
Cibrèo is one of the best known restaurants in Florence. Situated
near San Ambrogio Market, not far from Piazza Santa Croce square, chef Fabio
Picchi has earned a reputation by serving fine Tuscan food in elegant
surroundings. Rather than pasta, dishes might include hearty
ribollita (a bread soup), tripe, local fish or loin of pork.
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Opening Hours
Tue-Sat 1pm-2.30pm & 7pm-11pm
Address
8r, via Andrea del Verrocchio, Florence, 50122
Telephone
+39 055 234 1100
Alle Murate
Converted palace setting
For atmosphere and elegance head to Umberto Montano's Alle Murate,
housed in a restored city-centre medieval palace. The frescoed, vaulted
ceilings give a touch of drama, while the fine food might include Italian
classics with a contemporary twist - like pasta with a sauce of Sienese
pork. Soft jazz makes for romantic dining.
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Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 7.30pm-11pm
Address
16, Via del Proconsolo, Florence, 50122
Telephone
+39 055 240618
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Modern Italian cuisine
Housed in a renovated 16th-century palace near Piazza Santa Croce square,
Enoteca Pinchiorri is the place for fine food served in formal surroundings.
The decor is grand with pink furnishings, shining silver and antiques. With
three Michelin stars, the food is contemporary Italian.
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Opening Hours
Tue-Sat 7.30pm-10pm
Address
87, Via Ghibellina, Florence, 51022
Telephone
+39 055 242 757
13 Gobbi
Genuine Tuscan food
13 Gobbi is a classic Tuscan trattoria in Florence which wouldn't look out of
place in a Godfather film. Intimate and traditional, yet very
informal, it is popular with a mature crowd who like to people-watch as they
ponder over bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), rabbit and a
huge variety of lightly fried vegetables.
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Opening Hours
Daily 12pm-2.30pm & 7.30pm-11pm
Address
9/r, Via della Porcellana, Florence, 50123
Telephone
+39 055 284015
Transport
Bus to Piazza Santa Maria Novella
Osteria di Giovanni
Family Tuscan favourites
Osteria di Giovanni, near the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, has been in
the hands of the same family since 1951. Housed in an historic building,
there's a family kitchen feel, with a large fireplace, coats of arms
and photographs. Tuscan favourites include spelt soup, gnocchi with
truffles, bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), and fresh
pasta.
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Opening Hours
Daily 12.30pm-2.30pm & 7pm-10.30pm (Tue-Thu 7pm-10.30pm only)
Address
22, Via del Moro, Florence, 50123
Telephone
+39 055 284 897
Targa Bistrot
Rustic bistro
A relaxed atmosphere dominates at Targa Bistrot, by the River Arno just
outside the city centre. It has a pleasantly rustic feel with polished
wooden floors, fresh flowers and an intimate atmosphere. Dishes are
imaginative - don't be surprised to see risotto with salt cod and
pumpkin flowers on the menu. The wine list is excellent.
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Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 12.30pm-2.30pm & 7.30pm-11pm
Address
7, Lungarno Colombo, Florence, 50136
Telephone
+39 055 677 377
Ristorante La Giostra
Select and romantic
Ristorante La Giostra is located just off the main tourist route and just a
short walk from the Cathedral. Owned by a Habsburg prince, there's
no sign outside and the interior is similarly discreet with arches,
candlelight and an intimate atmosphere. Dishes are mainly Tuscan but some
Austrian classics like Wiener Schnitzel also feature.
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Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 1pm-2.30pm & 7pm until late; Sat & Sun 7pm until late
Address
12r, Borgo Pinti, Florence, 50121
Telephone
+39 055 24 13 41
Oliviero
La dolce vita
Neighbouring elegant Via Tornabuoni street and the Ponte Vecchio bridge,
Oliviero is a specialist in Florentine cuisine and has served stars like
Sofia Loren and La Dolce Vita director Federico Fellini. Its classy
appeal is evergreen and its dishes seasonal. Look out for the original
fiorentina t-bone steak on the menu.
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Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 7.30pm-11pm
Address
51/R, Via delle Terme, Florence 50123
Telephone
+39 055 212421
Trattoria 4 Leoni
Traditional Florentine feel
Situated in the Oltrarno district, close to the Ponte Vecchio bridge,
Trattoria 4 Leoni is the place to come for a bit of old Florence, and a
relaxed family feel. The simple decor features lots of wood and photos on
the walls. The food is traditional Tuscan: wild boar, porcini risotto and
Florentine steak.
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Opening Hours
Daily 12pm-12am
Address
Piazza della Passera, 1r Via dei Vellutini, Florence, 50125
Telephone
+39 055 218 562
Angels
Dining near the cathedral
Tucked away in an historic building near the Cathedral, Angels attracts
fashionable locals who come to dine or just have a cocktail in the American
Bar. The high ceilings and elegant original features are combined with
minimalist contemporary decor and low lighting. Try the homemade pasta with
hare, cocoa and licorice.
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Opening Hours
Daily 12pm-3pm & 7.30pm-11pm (7.30pm-11pm only Mon)
Address
29/31, Via del Proconsolo, Florence, 50100
Telephone
+39 055 239 8762
Acqua al 2
Friendly Italian
Central Florence's Acqua al 2 attracts arty locals, students and
tourists. The lighting is low, the spirit is lively, seats are closely
packed together and plates signed by happy customers line the walls. Their
sampling plates are very popular - with generous selections of pastas,
salads and cheese. Try the signature steak in balsamic vinegar.
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Opening Hours
Daily 7.30pm-1am
Address
40r, Via Vigna Vecchia, Florence, 50122
Telephone
+39 055 28 41 70
Trattoria ZàZà
Bustling and friendly
Everyone from market traders to tourists eat at Trattoria
ZàZà, near Piazza Mercato Centrale square. There are warm
colours, wooden tables and a striking wall mural. It gets very busy, and
tables are often shared as diners enjoy a hearty stew or pasta dish - leave
room for the delicious chestnut torte.
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Opening Hours
Daily 11am-11pm
Address
26r, Piazza Mercato Centrale, Florence, 50123
Telephone
+39 055 215 411
Il Pizzaiuolo
Busy pizzeria
Il Pizzaiuolo is situated close to the Basilica of Santa Croce, in the city
centre, and is something of an institution in Florence. There is an enormous
choice of thin-crust Neapolitan-style pizzas, which are popular with locals
and tourists alike. Be prepared to share a table, as it gets extremely
busy.
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Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm & 7.30pm-12am
Address
113, Via dei Macci, Florence, 50122
Telephone
+39 055 241 171
Il Vegetariano
Healthy options
For a refreshing change from standard Italian fare, Il Vegetariano offers
good value healthy food in a relaxed atmosphere. Situated outside the
historic centre, not far from Piazza San Marco square, it has communal
tables and self service. Dishes are creative and range from various risottos
and pastas, to couscous, tofu and salads.
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Opening Hours
Tue-Fri 12.30pm-3.30pm & 7.30pm-12am; Sat & Sun 7.30pm-12am
Address
30r, Via delle Ruote, Florence, 50129
Telephone
+39 055 475 030
